05/12/2026
🇺🇸🚨 Today we want to recognize and thank
Ron DeSantis and the State of Florida for continuing to strengthen protections for working K9s, law enforcement animals, Search & Rescue dogs, and animal welfare across the state. 🇺🇸🐕🦺
As an organization dedicated to giving working dogs a second mission through Search & Rescue, these protections matter.
Recent legislation signed and supported in Florida — including HB 559 and SB 1004 — expands animal welfare protections, increases penalties for animal cruelty offenses, strengthens accountability for offenders, and creates additional tools to protect animals from abuse and neglect. The legislation also expands reporting and tracking of convicted animal abusers and increases consequences for crimes involving organized animal fighting and cruelty.
Florida has also continued strengthening penalties for crimes committed against law enforcement and Search & Rescue K9s — recognizing what those of us in the working dog community already know:
These are not “just dogs.”
They are partners.
They are protectors.
They are lifesavers.
From police K9s tracking violent offenders… to Search & Rescue dogs locating missing persons after disasters… these animals willingly run toward danger alongside the handlers who trust them with their lives every single day.
At 10-42 K9, we fully support legislation that protects retired and active working dogs, increases penalties for abuse or attacks against them, and recognizes the critical role they play in public safety and emergency response.
To every K9 handler, trainer, deputy, officer, firefighter, SAR volunteer, and military working dog team — we stand with you.
🐾 “Honoring Their Past. Empowering Their Future.”
— 10-42 K9 Inc.
